At a Glance
- Tasks: Own demand forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation for our growing retail estate.
- Company: Join VPZ, the UK's leading vape retailer with over 190 locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate across teams and make a real impact in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Be a key player in optimising stock and driving business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in demand or inventory planning, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About us
VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer. Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to over 190 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there. We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow.
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially minded Demand Planner to own the end to end forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation process across our retail estate. You will bridge the gap between data and execution, translating sales trends, seasonality, and promotional activity into actionable plans that maximise product availability while minimising excess stockholding costs. This is a pivotal cross functional role, acting as the central hub of expertise to align Buying, Finance, Operations, Warehouse, and Store teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain rolling sales forecasts at SKU, category, and store level. Monitor forecast accuracy and continually refine planning methodologies.
- Inventory Optimisation: Determine optimal stock levels across stores and warehouses. Identify slow moving or at risk inventory and recommend markdown/exit strategies to protect cash flow.
- Allocation & Replenishment: Own stock allocation strategies for new launches, promotions, and daily replenishment based on store performance and local trading patterns.
- Commercial Analysis: Analyse sell through rates, stock turn, and weeks of cover. Build dashboards to present actionable insights and forecast variances to senior stakeholders.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Buying, Finance, and Logistics to ensure stock commitments align with operational capacity and financial budgets.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Experience: Background in Demand Planning, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, or Inventory Planning (ideally within a retail environment).
- Analytical Mindset: Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret large datasets to drive commercial decisions. Experience with ERP or specialized inventory management systems is highly desirable.
- Retail Acumen: Strong understanding of core KPIs such as stock turn, sell through, availability, and weeks of cover.
- Communication Skills: Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across warehouse, retail, and head office teams.
- Attributes: Highly organised, detail oriented, and a proactive problem solver.
Please ensure you apply with an up-to-date CV. Applicants must be 18 years old or above, any subsequent job offer is subject to pre-employment screening and right to work checks.
Operations Manager-Demand Planning in Newbridge employer: VPZ | Vape Shop
At VPZ, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading vape retailer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters growth and innovation. As an Operations Manager in Demand Planning, you will benefit from our commitment to employee development, collaborative culture, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a rapidly expanding company. Join us in Edinburgh and be part of a team that values your expertise while providing competitive benefits and a vibrant workplace atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager-Demand Planning in Newbridge
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at VPZ | Vape Shop, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Operations Manager-Demand Planning.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager-Demand Planning in Newbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at VPZ | Vape Shop. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research VPZ | Vape Shop and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at VPZ | Vape Shop
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at VPZ | Vape Shop.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by VPZ | Vape Shop
Look into any unique supply chain challenges VPZ | Vape Shop might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
